LAFC vs LA Galaxy: El Trafico Round 2

“There are things we didn’t do well and we let them back in the game…We have ourselves to blame again…”-Coach Bob Bradley

The second game between MLS newest rivalry took place as the second round of the “El Trafico” between LAFC and the LA Galaxy took place Thursday night.

This was the first game between the rivals at the brand new Banc of California Stadium. Their previous game was at the Galaxy home the Stub Hub Center, where LAFC was stunned as the Galaxy came from behind to win a 4-3 on the strength of two late goals by striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic including the game winner in stoppage time.

LAFC will be seeking revenge and trying to maintain their nine game home unbeaten streak, meanwhile the Galaxy came into the game trying to maintain their seven game unbeaten streak.

LAFC took the game immeadiately to the Galaxy and rewarded with the first goal. Just like their first meeting the goal came from their best player Carlos Vela.

Vela who this week was named one of the captains for the MLS All-Star game scored on a header in the seventh minute. It was Vela’s eighth goal of the season placing him in second place behind Adama Diomande’s nine goals.

Vela continued to press the attack and he helped create another goal, placing the ball on the foot of Mark Anthony-Kaye who was fouled. The foul was slightly outside the box and Lee Ngyuen beat the Galaxy’s David Bingham on a curled free kick, putting the team up 2-0.

With a 2-0 halftime lead LAFC had to think back to their first meeting with the Galaxy and wanted to avoid another late loss.

At the 75th minute mark Diomande hit the post when a goal would have sealed the game, this loomed large over the next ten minutes.

Romain Alessandrini scored the first goal for the Galaxy at the 80th minute mark, as the LAFC defense started to sag. After the goal the Galaxy increased the pressure, seemingly they tied the game when Ola Kamara took a shot from point blank range. LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller made an outstanding stop, but moments later thanks to an errant pass by Andre Horta, Kamara again found himself one on one with Miller and this time rounded him for the tying goal.

In just a few moments the Galaxy had again made a comeback and shocked LAFC to their core. Despite the comeback LAFC maintained the tie and that is how the game 2-2.

Understandably after the game LAFC coach Bob Bradley was upset, it was reported that Mark Anthony Kaye’s injury was a fracture that required surgery and his team had blown a win against their top rival again.

Now Bradley will have 10 days off to figure out how to get back to their winning ways, meanwhile coach Sigi Schmid and the LA Galaxy will get ready for a match this Sunda against Orlando City.

As for the “El Trafico” rivalry the teams play again on August 24th in Carson, after these last two games expect more fireworks.